Tag Archives: end times

The Bibles says in Jude 1:18 that “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires. 19 These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.” Jude 1:18-19(NIV)

It is obvious that we are in the end times. However, God didn’t give us this information so we would know when the end was near. The reason he gave us this information was to warn us about the scoffer’s ability to separate us from God.

This is what God said we should do:

20 But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

22 Be merciful to those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. Jude 1:20-23(NIV)

How are we doing?

This passage doesn’t say that we should write snide comments and cartoons about the scoffers, like we see so often on the social media. It doesn’t even say we should avoid them. It says we are to LOVE them!

Here is behavior God wants from us.

27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.

32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them.33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” Luke 6:27-36(NIV)

God loves us so much that he even gave us the power to love our enemies. However, we can only do it through God’s power given us through the Holy Spirit.

To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. Jude 1:24-25(NIV)

Next time you hear a pastor give this benediction, think about what it really means. God is with us! It is only through His power that we will be able to endure to the end!